MOF@MXene nanocomposite as a novel modifier to extend the application of PES mixed-matrix nanofiltration membranes for water treatment.

MXene-based membranes, as a type of modified membrane, have unique structures that attract attention for water treatment but suffer from low water flux. To address this, MXene was manipulated with UiO-66-NH nanoparticles to create UiO-66-NH@MXene 2D-nanocomposites for the modification of the PES membrane. Herein, we synthesized a novel modified MXene-based PES membrane.

Evaluating an extraction-free sample preparation method for multiplex detection of SARS-Cov-2, influenza A/B, and RSV with implementation on a microfluidic chip.

Following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, other respiratory viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whose transmission were decreased due to COVID-19 precautions, are rising again. Because of similar clinical features and reported co-infections, multiplex detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, and RSV is required to use specific treatments. This study assessed an extraction-free sample preparation (heat treatment at 95°C for 3 minutes) for multiplex detection using rRT-PCR.

From environmental issue to purification aid: Novel positively charged functionalized algal biochar as robust modifier of composite nanofiltration membranes.

Robust membrane modifiers were achieved for the first time by functionalizing the algal biochar of unique porous structure. The biochar was prepared through the pyrolysis of Cladophora glomerata, the most widespread freshwater macroalga, functionalized by diethylenetriamine and dendrimer poly(amidoamine), and employed to fabricate positively charged composite nanofiltration membranes. The presence of hydrophilic functionalizers of positive charge on the membrane was verified through Fourier transform infrared and energy dispersive X-ray analyses and atomic force microscopy and zeta potential measurements were performed to determine surface roughness and confirm positive charge of the modified membranes.

Efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive lacosamide in patients aged <4 years with focal seizures.

Objective: Primary objective was to evaluate efficacy of lacosamide administered concomitantly with 1-3 antiseizure medications in young children with uncontrolled focal (partial-onset) seizures.

Methods: Double-blind, parallel-group trial (SP0967: NCT02477839/2013-000717-20) conducted between June 2015 and May 2020 at hospitals and clinics in 25 countries. Patients (aged ≥1 month to <4 years) with uncontrolled focal seizures were randomized 1:1 to adjunctive lacosamide or placebo using an interactive voice/web response system and stratified by age.

Pitfalls of using video-EEG for a trial endpoint in children aged <4 years with focal seizures.

Objective: Double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial SP0967 (NCT02477839/2013-000717-20) did not demonstrate superior efficacy of lacosamide versus placebo in patients aged ≥1 month to <4 years with uncontrolled focal seizures, per ≤72 h video-electroencephalogram (video-EEG)-based primary endpoints (reduction in average daily frequency of focal seizures at end-of-maintenance [EOM] versus end-of-baseline [EOB], patients with ≥50% response). This was unexpected because randomized controlled trial SP0969 (NCT01921205) showed efficacy of lacosamide in patients aged ≥4 to <17 years with uncontrolled focal seizures. SP0969's primary endpoint was based on seizure diary instead of video-EEG, an issue with the latter being inter-reader variability.

Comparison of bioleaching of a sulfidic copper ore (chalcopyrite) in column percolators and in stirred-tank bioreactors including microbial community analysis.

Chalcopyrite is the most abundant Cu-sulfide and economically the most important copper mineral in the world. It is known to be recalcitrant in hydrometallurgical processing and therefore chalcopyrite bioleaching has been thoroughly studied for improvement of processing. In this study, the microbial diversity in 22 samples from the Sarcheshmeh copper mine in Iran was investigated via 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of adjunctive lacosamide in pediatric patients with epilepsy syndromes associated with generalized seizures: Phase 2, open-label exploratory trial.

Objective: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of lacosamide (LCM) (up to 12 mg/kg/day or 600 mg/day) as adjunctive therapy in pediatric patients with epilepsy syndromes associated with generalized seizures.

Methods: Phase 2, multicenter, open-label exploratory trial (SP0966; NCT01969851; 2012-001446-18) of oral LCM for epilepsy syndromes associated with generalized seizures in pediatric patients ≥1 month to <18 years of age taking one to three concomitant antiseizure medications. The trial comprised a 6-week prospective baseline period, 6-week flexible titration period, and 12-week maintenance period.

Physician- and patient-reported perspectives on myasthenia gravis in Europe: a real-world survey.

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, chronic, debilitating, unpredictable, and potentially life-threatening neuromuscular disease. There is a lack of real-world data on disease management that could be used to further understand and address unmet patient needs and burden. We aimed to provide comprehensive real-world insights in the management of MG in five European countries.

Treatment patterns in myasthenia gravis: A United States health claims analysis.

Introduction/aims: Limited knowledge exists on treatment patterns in clinical practice in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). In this study we examined MG treatment patterns in the United States.

Methods: Adult patients newly diagnosed with MG were identified from the IBM MarketScan insurance claims database.

Healthcare resource use in myasthenia gravis: a US health claims analysis.

Background: There are limited data on the impact of myasthenia gravis (MG) on real-world healthcare resource use (HCRU) and patient burden in the United States.

Objectives: This study aims to assess HCRU in patients with MG using data from a US health claims database.

Design: A retrospective, database study of adult patients newly diagnosed with MG, using the IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters and Medicare supplemental health insurance claims database.

Safety and tolerability of short-term infusions of intravenous lacosamide in pediatric patients with epilepsy: An open-label, phase 2/3 trial.

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of intravenous (IV) lacosamide infusion in patients aged ≥1 month to <17 years with epilepsy.

Methods: This Phase 2/3 open-label trial (EP0060; NCT02710890) enrolled patients in two age cohorts (cohort 1: ≥8 to <17 years; cohort 2: ≥1 month to <8 years). Eligible patients were receiving oral lacosamide as adjunctive treatment or monotherapy (in an open-label long-term trial or by prescription) or were not receiving lacosamide before enrolment.

Physician-Reported Perspectives on Myasthenia Gravis in the United States: A Real-World Survey.

Introduction: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, debilitating, chronic disorder caused by the production of pathogenic immunoglobulin G autoantibodies against the neuromuscular junction. A lack of real-world studies in rare diseases reflects a relatively limited understanding of the significant unmet needs and burden of disease for patients. We aimed to provide comprehensive real-world insights into the management and burden of MG from treating physicians in the United States (US).

Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of intravenous brivaracetam in pediatric patients with epilepsy: An open-label trial.

Objective: To evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of brivaracetam (BRV) as 15-min intravenous (IV) infusion and bolus (≤2-min injection).

Methods: EP0065 (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03405714) was a Phase 2, multicenter, open-label trial in patients ≥1 month to <16 years of age with epilepsy.

Analyses of seizure responses supportive of a novel trial design to assess efficacy of antiepileptic drugs in infants and young children with epilepsy: Post hoc analyses of pediatric levetiracetam and lacosamide trials.

Objective: Recently, a novel trial design has been proposed to overcome challenges with traditional placebo-controlled trials of antiepileptic drugs in infants and young children (≥1 month of age) (Auvin S, et al. Epilepsia Open 2019;4:537-43). The proposed time-to-event trial design involves seizure counting by caregivers and allows adjustment of the duration of the baseline period and duration of exposure to placebo or potentially ineffective treatment based on the patient's seizure burden and response.

Effect of light intensity and wavelength on nitrogen and phosphate removal from municipal wastewater by microalgae under semi-batch cultivation.

Domestic, agricultural and industrial water activities lead to organic and inorganic pollution of the environment. Biotreatment of municipal wastewater with the potential production of biomass is a valuable feature of microalgae. In this study we evaluated the effects of wavelength and light intensity on phosphate and ammonium removal on the one hand, and biomass and protein production on the other hand by in municipal wastewater treatment under semi batch cultivation.

Lacosamide in patients with epilepsy of cerebrovascular etiology.

Objectives: To assess tolerability and efficacy of lacosamide in adults with cerebrovascular epilepsy etiology (CVEE).

Materials And Methods: Exploratory post hoc analyses of a double-blind, initial monotherapy trial of lacosamide vs carbamazepine-controlled release (carbamazepine-CR) (SP0993; NCT01243177); a double-blind conversion to lacosamide monotherapy trial (SP0902; NCT00520741); and an observational study of adjunctive lacosamide added to one antiepileptic drug (SP0973 VITOBA; NCT01098162). Patients with CVEE were identified based on epilepsy etiology recorded at baseline.

Efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive lacosamide in pediatric patients with focal seizures.

Objective: To evaluate efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive lacosamide in children and adolescents with uncontrolled focal (partial-onset) seizures.

Methods: In this double-blind trial (SP0969; NCT01921205), patients (age ≥4-<17 years) with uncontrolled focal seizures were randomized (1:1) to adjunctive lacosamide/placebo. After a 6-week titration, patients who reached the target dose range for their weight (<30 kg: 8-12 mg/kg/d oral solution; ≥30-<50 kg: 6-8 mg/kg/d oral solution; ≥50 kg: 300-400 mg/d tablets) entered a 10-week maintenance period.

Immunogenicity of HPV and HBV vaccines: adjuvanticity of synthetic analogs of monophosphoryl lipid A combined with aluminum hydroxide.

Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), a purified and detoxified product of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Salmonella minnesota R595, has been used as an adjuvant in different vaccines. In this study, the efficacy of human papillomaviruses (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines formulated with aluminum hydroxide combined with two different synthetic MPLs, 3D-(6-acyl)-PHAD or 3D-PHAD, or aluminum hydroxide combined with the mixtures of such MPLs, has been assessed. The immunogenicity in female BALB/c mice was verified by two intramuscular injections of differently formulated HPV and HBV vaccines and the total immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response was considered to compare the employed adjuvants.

Using a hybrid-like supported catalyst to improve green fuel production through hydrothermal liquefaction of Scenedesmus obliquus microalgae.

Hydrothermal liquefaction of Scenedesmus obliquus has been optimized in a micro reactor using response surface methodology. Temperature, residence time and feedstock concentration were studied through central composite design to verify the optimized conditions leading to the highest yield of bio-crude and energy recovery. Based on the non-catalytic studies, temperature, feedstock concentration, and their interaction were respectively determined as the most effective variables.

Novel Dimensionally Controlled Nanopore Forming Template in Forward Osmosis Membranes.

To lower the unfavorable internal concentration polarization effect in forward osmosis (FO) membranes, support layers of highly porous interconnected structures with specifically large surface-to-volume ratios are indispensable. Herein, zinc oxide (ZnO) has been introduced as a new template to manipulate the porous structure of poly(ether sulfone) (PES) support layer. The ZnO can be readily synthesized as desired in different dimensionally controlled nanostructures.

The Significance of REM Sleep on Routine EEG.

The objective of this study was to report on sleep-onset REM period (SOREMP) during routine EEG and conditions associated with it at a comprehensive epilepsy program. We retrospectively reviewed all outpatient and inpatient EEGs performed at Tampa General Hospital, a comprehensive epilepsy center over a four-month period. All EEGs were reviewed by experienced board-certified epileptologists.

Impact of biofilm on bacterial transport and deposition in porous media.

Laboratory scale experiments were conducted to obtain insights into factors that influence bacterial transport and deposition in porous media. According to colloidal filtration theory, the removal efficiency of a filter medium is characterized by two main factors: collision efficiency and sticking efficiency. In the case of bacterial transport in porous media, bacteria attached to a solid surface can establish a thin layer of biofilm by excreting extracellular polymeric substances which can significantly influence both of these factors in a porous medium, and thus, affect the overall removal efficiency of the filter medium.